A Nazarene Missions Team of 11 young people traveled to Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, in late July to minister alongside the Mahanaim Ministry Church of the Nazarene congregation. Mahanaim Ministry is a pioneering Nazarene work within their local community.

The team called the missions week “Pekan Ceria,” which means “Cheerful Week.” 

One of the purposes of the trip was to build relationships within communities where most of the population is of another religion. The team prepared daily activities during the missions trip. 

On the first day, two young people taught 11 moms how to arrange flower bouquets. On the second day, a traditional children’s game competition was held with 23 children. On the third day, the team joined morning exercises with the families in the community. 

The next day, the team led the opening of a children’s library and even entertained the children with magic tricks. On day five, children watched a film. On the sixth day, the team conducted a community/village clean-up with the residents. On the last day, the team had a talent show and children’s games with prizes for the children.

Organizers hope that because of the week’s activities, the Nazarene Missions team and the Mahanaim Ministry congregation can better understand the importance of building relationships with the community and bringing them Christ’s love and good news. Many residents are excited about the new children’s library. 

The missions trip was held to encourage and provide opportunities for the local church members to engage in God’s broader mission. Short-term missions trips provide an opportunity for the participants to see God at work in other cultures, strengthen the churches they visit, and work with the Holy Spirit in bringing the love of Christ to the life of the intended community.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region